Since getting my open water certification back in Cairns, Australia, I’ve been wanting to go scuba diving again. Years ago I heard about Andi of My Beautiful Adventures‘ experiences scuba diving at the Georgia Aquarium right here in my landlocked home town and immediately added it to my Life List.
These days I prefer experiences over more “stuff” that I will end up getting rid of, so I asked for this to be my 24th birthday gift. Angie Away even visited a week before I did! It’s the only place you are certain to swim with whale sharks and is the largest aquarium in the world.
A few weeks ago I dragged along the whole family downtown for my Journey with the Gentle Giants. I checked into the desk at 10:45 and was taken to a classroom upstairs where I was introduced to my fellow divers: a couple from Toronto, another man from Toronto and two other American gentlemen.
After learning about what kinds of creatures we would run into, we went to get suited up at the dive center. Upon entering the water there were creatures all around. You could see the shadows above from the whale sharks and giant manta rays gliding by. I had some issues with buoyancy so I looked like a flailing dog part of the time, but otherwise it was a great dive. I’m glad I got to add this dive to my experiences and I highly recommend it to others.
While the price is high for a tourist attraction, at almost $325, but is reasonable for everything the dive includes. They have all of the necessary gear you need, but you can bring your own mask if you want to. The ticket also includes entrance into the aquarium and tickets into the much-hyped Dolphin Tales show.
You get a souvenir t-shirt, photo and dive log. After you’re done with your dive, the facilities include a locker room with showers and towels so that you don’t have to worry about being soggy through the rest of your visit to the aquarium. Videos of the dive are available for $50.
All photos are taken by my mom and sister and are used with permission. Cameras just don’t fit into those scuba suits.
YES, I would scuba dive in an aquarium :)
Actually, I have added this to my “Atlanta To-Go/Do List” after reading Andi’s post. You got there first, Caroline :) Thanks for the details! They are helpful.
It would be nice to have a shark coming towards you on a background of the pic of you waiving to the camera ;)
How is weather in Portugal? ;)
How awesome! I would love to snorkel in the aquarium, but I’m not a SCUBA gal. Glad you had a great time!!